BLYTHEWOOD – “I cannot put my excitement and gratitude into words,” Westwood High School Principal Tameka Nicholson said Wednesday, following a surprise ceremony honoring the school’s basketball teams. “This is how you change the trajectory of a student’s life.”

The Redhawks’ basketball programs received a major boost during the ceremony – a $50,000 check from First String, a philanthropic initiative launched last year. Nike and Hibbett chose Westwood as one of only four schools nationwide selected for this year’s award.

The two teams gathered in the school gym for the surprise presentation. Hibbett regional representatives Michael Jaworski and Terrance Matthews awarded each team $25,000 to support their upcoming season, along with new duffel bags and $15,000 in gift cards—$500 for each player—to purchase team shoes and gear.

“First String is all about supporting local high school boys and girls basketball programs and laying the foundation for your future,” Jaworski said.

“From training over the summer to performing academically and athletically, we recognize the work you’re putting in as student-athletes. We understand that both the girls and boys programs made it to the third round of the playoffs last season, and we want to help you guys go even further this year,” he said.

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Nicholson praised the students for their dedication and leadership.

“The students being honored today are leaders. They’re leading on the court. They’re leading in the hallway,” she said. “They weren’t expecting this. They didn’t apply for it, but someone saw the excellence in them and chose to honor them.

“It sends a message not only to our teams, but to all of the students who watched today,” she said, “and my hope is that they will always understand that putting good into the world can bring back good tenfold.”

In addition to the donations, one senior from each team will receive a $20,000 college scholarship—$5,000 per year for four years—along with the opportunity to join Hibbett and Nike’s connected internship program at the company’s Birmingham headquarters.

“This generous support from Hibbett and Nike will have a lasting impact on our student-athletes and their continued success both on and off the court,” Dr. Garrett Knight, Westwood’s Athletic Director said.

Noting the award’s broader message of excellence and gratitude, Nicholson praised Hibbett’s efforts to invest into Westwood’s school community.

 “It’s not just about this moment. It’s about everything that’s still yet to come. Greatness is in this building. Greatness is happening at The Castle. This recognition is a reminder to always demonstrate excellence with purpose.”

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